-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Travelers do n't always have to fight the masses and schlep overseas to find exotic vacation thrills .

Safari West near Sonoma , California , offers a taste of Africa in North America .

If you know where to look , you can find destinations closer to home that offer relief from crowds and pricey travel arrangements .

The right location can generate the makings of an African or European vacation -- without leaving North America .

Along the same lines , wine-lovers yearning for a taste of the Napa Valley do n't necessarily have to travel to California . Watch more about getaways with an exotic vibe ''

Africa-like safari

If you 've always wanted to take an African safari but do n't have the time or money , Sarah Kantrowitz of Travel + Leisure recommends traveling to Sonoma , California , for a host of wild adventures .

In the heart of wine country , Safari West offers a slice of Serengeti life with 400 acres of preserve .

`` You 'll be able to visit almost 500 animals including cheetahs , zebra and wildebeest , '' says Kantrowitz .

Climb aboard their Classic Safari Truck tour to observe over 80 species of wild animals in a natural habitat .

Safari West 's director of communications Aphrodite Caserta calls the tour a `` do n't miss experience . ''

`` Simply , '' she says , `` it 's a rare opportunity to experience an authentic African adventure without a passport and without the jet lag . And , without spending thousands of dollars . ''

Safari West also offers private truck tours , educational animal presentations and overnight tent accommodations . They even offer many seasonal specials to make your stay more affordable .

Check out http://www.safariwest.com/ for information on their Full Moon Madness package . You can save 50 percent off room rates on or around the full moon each month .

Napa Valley-esque wine tastings

If it 's wine you want , find an alternative to Napa Valley in Michigan 's Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas .

Here you 'll discover more than 850 acres of land and more than 20 wineries for your choosing .

The area offers tastings and gourmet meals , and Kantrowitz says , `` The region is particularly known for its great pinot blancs . ''

It also boasts plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like scenic bike tours of the wine trails and camping on the lakeshore .

Andrew MacFarlane , spokesperson for the Leelanau Peninsula Vintner 's Association , considers Michigan wine country unique because the effects of the Great Lakes perfect the wine and the atmosphere .

He says , `` It 's blue skies , no humidity . It 's an absolutely beautiful place to come in any season . ''

Check out Leelanau 's and Old Mission 's Web sites for winery lists , wine trail maps , special events and more .

Pseudo-European getaways

With the Euro still dominating the American dollar , try looking in your own backyard for European flair with a considerably smaller price tag .

You can get a taste of France without breaking the bank in Quebec .

Quebec City , the province 's capital , offers an experience rich in cultural heritage .

Settled about 400 years ago by French fur traders , the city hosts many examples of 18th and 19th century architecture and the distinction of being the only fortified city north of Mexico .

`` Consider walking the streets and exploring the wonderful shops that sell wine , cheese and delicious baguettes , '' says Kantrowitz .

Visit http://www.quebecregion.com/e/ for Quebec City 's calendar of events and recommendations for dining , shopping and lodging in the area . Here you can also find information on different tours and package deals .

If it 's Spanish culture that interests you , look no further than St. Augustine , Florida .

The nation 's oldest city was founded more than 400 years ago , and its Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum gives visitors the opportunity to see what life was like in the city when it was still an outpost of the Spanish empire .

Through the state 's preservation effort , many of the colonial buildings in St. Augustine have been restored to their original appearance .

Kantrowitz suggests taking a pedestrian route through the city .

She says , `` Try a walking tour to see a lot of architecture that is very reminiscent of Spain itself . ''

Head over to http://www.visitflorida.com/ for St. Augustine photos , up-to-date deals and user-generated activity suggestions .

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St. Augustine , Florida , offers Old World Spain without leaving North America

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400-year-old Quebec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico

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California has a slice of Africa 's Serengeti : cheetahs , zebra and wildebeest

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Michigan 's Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas offer excellent wine tourism